Ukrainian students and researchers visited the School of Aviation

The Lund University School of Aviation (TFHS) has had an exchange with Zhytomyr University, a Ukrainian university that focuses on technology. The aim of the exchange was to establish contact with research colleagues for further cooperation linked to the University’s initiative with the Swedish Armed Forces. The exchange for the students was intended to show how education is conducted in Sweden and give them an EU perspective.

“This exchange has given me an insight and a large portion of humility regarding the fact that we live in different worlds,” says Fredrik Torkildsen, a lecturer at the School of Aviation.

Several of the students clearly expressed that this was a restorative trip, to attain mental balance. Their trauma is extensive, many have lost relatives and friends, and they have got used to buildings in ruins and injured people as part of the cityscape. 

The varied programme included social activities, lectures and various types of group exercises in which several departments have been involved. All components were based on experience-based learning to develop the ability to cooperate through group exercises. Among other things, the delegation visited LTH’s full-scale lab, X-Lab, with an assignment to try out new technologies. They attended a lecture by Ukrainian author Max Kidruk and met LTH’s dean Annika Ohlsson. 

“They have worked a lot on reflective processes and critical thinking in order for them to think freely, which they have not always been used to,” says Fredrik Torkildsen.

They have also had the opportunity to see and experience Skåne with excursions to Skissernas Museum, Ven and Kopparhatten plus a canoe trip on the Rönne River and a return trip via rail trolley.

“We have also tried to create a breathing space for them by showing them beautiful nature and culture, and offering them a little peace and quiet as a break from their everyday life at home,” says Fredrik Torkildsen.
During the two weeks, the students saw both the pro-Palestine demonstrations in Lundagård and the Pride Parade. They were inspired by Swedish freedom of expression and the attendance for the HBTQI event. The possibility of finding their own identity beyond traditional norms was something they took back with them.

Fredrik Torkildsen spent a lot of time planning the programme, travel and lodging to carry out the exchange, but is satisfied with the outcome. As someone relatively new to Lund University, he is positively surprised over all the opportunities there are at the University in terms of exchanges and collaborations, both nationally and internationally. 

“I would recommend others to do a similar exchange. Even though it has involved a lot of work, it fulfils a higher purpose and has given me many new insights and new knowledge,” says Fredrik Torkildsen.
The School of Aviation hopes to continue the collaboration with Zhytomyr University and that they can develop their drone expertise. The school has submitted an application to the Swedish Institute and hopes to receive funds to continue this work for 24 months. 

“We will get an answer in the autumn and would then go directly to Zhytomyr,” says Fredrik Torkildsen.

Also read the LUM article: A higher level of drone pilot training.